Search

For the InAs/GaAs quantum dot (QD) system, the evolution of wetting layer (WL) with InAs deposition thickness has been studied under different postgrowth annealing (PGA) durations using reflectance difference spectroscopy. For the sample without PGA, WL thickness remains constant after the formation of QDs, exhibiting a typical two-stage evolution, whereas for the samples with PGA, WL thickness continuously increases linearly with a reduced slope after the formation of QDs and is fixed in ripening growth, indicating a three-stage evolution. By adopting a theoretical model, we have well simulated the two kinds of evolution and found that the variations of QD's morphology and the interaction of QDs occurring during PGA lead to the different evolution behaviors of WL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-Aminobicyclo[3.1.0] hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740) is a potent and selective agonist for group II metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2 and mGlu3) receptors, with anxiolytic-like activity in animal and human models, and efficacy in anxiety patients. However, the lack of mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor specific agonists has prevented in vivo characterization of individual functions of these two receptors in mediating the anxiolytic-like effects of LY354740. Objective: To utilize mGlu2 receptor and mGlu3 receptor knockout animals and the mGlu2/3 selective antagonist (2S,1'S,2'S)-2-(9-xanthylmethyl)-2-(2'-carboxycyclopropyl) glycine (LY341495) to further investigate the roles of mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors in mediating the anxiolytic-like actions of LY354740 in a mouse model of anxiety [elevated plus maze (EPM) test]. Methods: To confirm that mGlu2/3 receptors are responsible for anxiolytic-like activity in the EPM under these test conditions, mice were pretreated with LY341495 at 30 min prior to s.c. administered LY354740. Subsequently, saline vehicle or LY 354740 was administered (s.c.) 30 min before the EPM testing in wild-type, mGlu2 receptor knockout, and mGlu3 receptor knockout mice. Results: LY354740 reduced in a dose-dependent manner anxiety-related behavior on the EPM in wild-type mice with a maximally effective dose of 10-20 mg/kg s.c. Pretreatment with LY341495 potently prevented the anxiolytic-like effects of LY354740 (20 mg/kg, s.c.) in mice. Although the mGlu2 receptor knockout and mGlu3 receptor knockout mice were grossly normal, the anxiolytic-like activity of LY354740 (20 mg/ kg, s.c.) was not evident in either mGlu2 or mGlu3 receptor knockout mice, when compared to their wild-type controls. Conclusions: The activation of both mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors by LY354740 appears to be required for anxiolytic-like activity in the EPM test in mice. These studies serve as a foundation for additional studies on underlying circuits, brain... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria, one of the major infectious diseases in the world, is caused by the Plasmodium parasite. Plasmodium antigens could modulate the inflammatory response by binding to macrophage membrane receptors. As an export protein on the infected erythrocyte membrane, Plasmodium surface-related antigen (SRA) participates in the erythrocyte invasion and regulates the immune response of the host. This study found that the F2 segment of P. yoelii SRA activated downstream MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways by binding to CD68 on the surface of the macrophage membrane and regulating the inflammatory response. The anti-PySRA-F2 antibody can protect mice against P. yoelii , and the pro-inflammatory responses such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 after infection with P. yoelii are attenuated. These findings will be helpful for understanding the involvement of the pathogenic mechanism of malaria with the exported protein SRA., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Importance: Phage therapy is gaining traction as an alternative to antibiotics due to the rise of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study assessed the pharmacokinetics and safety of PA_LZ7, a phage targeting MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa , in mice. After intravenous administration, the phage showed an exponential decay in plasma and its concentration dropped significantly within 24 h for all dosage groups. Although there was a temporary increase in certain plasma cytokines and spleen weight at higher dosages, no significant toxicity was observed. Therefore, PA_LZ7 shows potential as an effective and safe candidate for future phage therapy against MDR P. aeruginosa infections., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Importance: Salmonella infection is a significant threat to global public health, and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance exacerbates the situation. Therefore, finding new and effective ways to combat this pathogen is essential. Phages are natural predators of bacteria and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics to kill specific bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. One significant limitation of using phages as antimicrobial agents is their low cellular uptake, which limits their effectiveness against intracellular bacterial infections. Therefore, finding ways to enhance phage uptake is crucial. Our study provides a straightforward strategy for displaying cell-penetrating peptides on non-model phages, offering a promising novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating intracellular and drug-resistant bacteria. This approach has the potential to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and improve public health outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: Analysis of the characteristics of influenza epidemic in Anhui Province and quantification of the impact of different factors on influenza occurrence, providing scientific basis for better influenza prevention and control. Methods: Descriptive analysis and factor analysis were conducted on influenza-like illness (ILI) cases and RT-PCR results in Anhui Province from 2013 to 2021 using data from China's Influenza Monitoring Information System. Results: The percentage of influenza-like illness (ILI%) of sentinel hospitals in Anhui Province from April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2021 was 3.80% (1 209 142/31 779 987), showing an overall increasing trend, with a relatively high proportion in 2017-2018 at 4.30% (191 148/4 448 211). The proportion of ILI cases in infants and young children aged 0-4 years was a relatively high at 54.14% (654 676/1 209 142), and the highest ILI% was observed in Fuyang City, Anhui Province (6.25%, 236 863/3 788 863). Laboratory monitoring results showed that the positive rate of ILI cases in sentinel hospitals in 8 influenza monitoring years was 16.38% (34 868/212 912), showing an increasing trend year by year, with a relatively proportion in 2017-2018 at 26.19% (6 936/26 488). The detection rate of school-age children aged 5-14 years was a relativelyhigh at 28.81% (13 869/48 144), and the positive rate was a relatively high in Wuhu City among the 16 cities, reaching 22.01% (2 693/122 237). Influenza activity showed a single peak in winter-spring and alternating double peaks in winter-spring and summer, with different subtypes alternating, and A (H3N2) was the dominant subtype in summer. The results of a multiple logistic regression model showed that the positive rate was higher in 2017-2018, among children aged 5-14 years, in winter, and in southern Anhui. Conclusions: Influenza epidemic in Anhui Province has a clear seasonal pattern, and the ILI% and detection rate have shown an upward trend from 2013 to 2021. Therefore, it is suggested to ensure vaccine supply before the winter-spring influenza season arrives, and to strengthen vaccine uptake and health education to avoid the risk of infection during the peak period of influenza.

Objective: To explore the value of a two-stitch continuous suture in single- lumen ileostomy. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Data for 98 patients who underwent single-lumen enterostomy were retrospectively collected between 1 January 2021 and 1 May 2022 at Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University. All patients met the indications for prophylactic single-lumen ileostomy. Those older than 80 years of age, with complex underlying diseases, extremely poor systemic conditions who could not tolerate surgery, poor blood supply at the end of the bowel, and severe edema or severe infection at the end of the bowel were excluded. Among the included patients, patients who underwent surgery before 1 October 2021 underwent ileostomy with interrupted suture (control group, n =60), and patients operated on and after 1 October 2021 routinely underwent two-stitch continuous suture ileostomy (two-stitch stoma group, n =38). Two-stitch continuous suture ileostomy is performed as follows: the first continuous suture is used to suture the intestinal seromuscular layer, peritoneum, posterior sheath, and anterior sheath from deep to superficial layers. The bowel wall is then opened. The second continuous suture is used to suture the full thickness of the bowel and the skin. The differences in postoperative ostomy-related complications and operation time were compared between the groups. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline data between the groups (all, P >0.05). The operative time in the two-stitch stoma group was shorter than that of the control group (16.6±2.2 minutes vs. 25.1±2.4 minutes, respectively; t =-17.874; P <0.001). The incidences of mucocutaneous separation, dermatitis, and stoma rebound in the two-stitch stoma group were lower than those of the control group [5.3% (2/38) vs. 31.7% (19/60), χ 2 =9.633, P =0.002;5.3% (2/38) vs. 28.3% (17/60), χ 2 =7.923, P =0.005; and 2.6% (1/38) vs. 18.3% (11/60), P =0.026, respectively], while the incidences of parastomal hernia and stoma prolapse, and the postoperative visual analog scale scores in the two groups were similar (all P >0.05). Conclusion: Compared with traditional single-lumen ileostomy, two-stitch continuous suture ileostomy has the advantages of short operation time, simplicity, esthetic appearance of the stoma, and a significant reduction in the postoperative complications associated with ileostomy.

Objective: The stability of fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the displaced humeral shaft is poor, and surgery is currently the main treatment. The posterolateral approach to the upper arm has many advantages but it is not widely used in clinical applications. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical effect of open reduction and internal fixation with a steel plate through the triceps approach in the treatment of fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients with fractures of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus who were admitted to our hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. According to the AO ASIF classification, 12 patients had type A, 8 patients had type B, and 6 patients had type C fractures. The posterior transtriceps approach was used for open reduction and internal fixation with a steel plate to evaluate its clinical efficacy., Results: All patients were followed completely, and the follow-up time was 6.0-18.0 months. Fracture nonunion occurred in 1 patient after the operation, and the other 25 patients healed well; 2 patients showed symptoms of radial nerve injury and numbness in the tiger's mouth area, which improved after 2 weeks. The average healing time of the fracture was 12.3 weeks. There were no infections or complications such as plate fractures. Elbow joint function according to Mayo scoring standards was as follows: 19 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 2 cases were poor. The excellent and good rate was 84.6%., Conclusions: Open reduction through the triceps approach and internal fixation with a steel plate for the treatment of the middle and lower 1/3 of the humerus can directly expose and protect the radial nerve and its branches and reduce radial nerve damage, and plate fixation on the tension side is biomechanical and worthy of clinical application.

Objective: We aimed to analyze the the genotyping of norovirus infectious diarrhea epidemic in Songjiang district, Shanghai, and explored the experience in handling the epidemic to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: The epidemiological data and related samples of 69 outbreaks of infectious diarrhea caused by norovirus was collected from 2017 to 2019 in Songjiang district, Shanghai. Sequencing and type identification were performed by the method of gene sequencing for the junction region of Norovirus ORF1 and ORF2. Results: From 2017 to 2019, 69 outbreaks of norovirus infections diarrhea were reported in Songjiang district, Shanghai. A total of 1 767 samples were tested, including 619 case samples (positive rate 19.9%), 343 practitioner samples (positive rate 1.1%), 505 environmental samples (positive rate 0.5%) and 300 food samples (not detected). 141 sequences were obtained, and the genotype analysis showed that the genotype that mainly caused infectious diarrhea in 2017 and 2018 was GII.P16-GII.2 (50.98%, 26/51). In 2019, the genotypes that mainly caused infectious diarrhea were GII.P16-GII.2 (13.73%, 7/51) and GII.Pe-GII.4 (9.80%, 5/51). Conclusion: The main genotype of the 69 outbreaks of nororirus infectious diarrhea epidemic in Songjiang district, Shanghai from 2017 to 2019 was GII.P16-GII.2, which showed obvious peaks in spring, autumn and winter. There were more infections in kindergartens and schools. The surveillance of norovirus infection should be strengthened.

Objective: To study the clinical effect of early loading restoration a superhydrophilic implant after 1 year, so as to provide reference evidence for clinical practice. Methods: A total of 41 patients with dental defects, including 20 males and 21 females [age (52.3±13.1) years old], were enrolled in the Department of VIP, Hangzhou Dental Hospital (Pinghai Hospital) from July 2017 to January 2019. A total of 74 superhydrophilic implants were implanted, including 27 maxillary implants and 47 mandiolar implants. All patients without bone augmentation or soft tissue transplantation, the maxilla was taken impression 4 weeks after implant implantation, with 6 weeks of loading, the mandible was taken impression 2 weeks after implant implantation, with 4 weeks of loading. The stability of the implant was measured by resonance frequency analyzer before implant implantation, impression and loading. Periapical radiograph were taken immediately after mold removal, immediately after loading and reexamination 1 year after loading, to measure and record the changes in the bone level of the mesial and distal margins of the implant. Results: No biological complications occurred in all implants before loading restoration, and the implant survival rate was 100%(74/74). In 2 cases, the implant stability quotient (ISQ) value of the implant at the mandibular site was lower than 65 at 2 weeks after surgery, and the restoration was delayed. The ISQ values of the other 72 implants at the time of implantation (75.22±4.32) were not significantly different from those at the time of modeling (75.13±4.23) ( P >0.05), but the ISQ values at the moment of weight loading (76.46±3.73) were significantly higher than those at modeling ( P <0.05). All the early loading implants were reviewed 1 year after early loading, and none of them were loose or fell off, and the implant survival rate was 100%(72/72). X-ray measurement and evaluation showed that after 1 year of early loading restoration, the mean marginal bone absorption of 72 implants was (0.18±0.06) mm, among which the mandibular was (0.17±0.06) mm and the maxillary was (0.19±0.06) mm, showing no statistical difference ( P >0.05). After 1 year of early loading restoration, the mean marginal bone absorption of 72 implants was (0.17±0.05) mm, including (0.17±0.06) mm for mandibular and (0.16±0.05) mm for maxillary, showing no statistical difference ( P >0.05). Conclusions: In the limited scope of this clinical study, it has been proved that early loading of superhydrophilic implant is a safe and feasible treatment scheme, and the bone resorption at the implant edge after long-term early loading restoration needs further follow-up study.

Objective: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of resin composite to glass ceramic, and the effect of surface treatment of resin composite and thermal cycling aging on the microtensile bond strength., Methods: Rectangular blocks were made with dentin of extracted molars, resin composite or feldspathic glass ceramic respectively. The bonding surfaces of these rectangular blocks were sanded by 600-grit silicon carbide paper before luting. A self-etching resin cement was used as luting agent. The specimens were divided into groups according to the types of substrates of adhesion (dentin/glass ceramic or resin composite/glass ceramic), the way of surface treatments and whether thermal cycling aging ocurred. The dentin blocks were adhered to ceramic blocks as controls (group A1 and A2). The resin composite blocks were adhered to the ceramic blocks as experiment groups. The resin composite surfaces were treated by different ways before luting: no extra surface treatment (group B1 and B2), treated by ethyl methacrylate solution (group C1 and C2) or silane coupling agent (group D1 and D2), coarsened by 360-grit silicon carbide paper (group E1 and E2) or polished by 1 200-grit silicon carbide paper (group F1 and F2). After luting, the microtensile bond strength of the specimens were tested before (group A1-F1) or after (group A2-F2) thermal cycling aging. After microtensile bond strength test, the fracture bonding surfaces of the specimens were observed by a scanning electron microscopy to determine the type of bonding failure. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance., Results: The microtensile bond strength of resin composite to glass ceramic with no extra treatment achieved high bond values before and after thermal cycling [B1 (30.02±3.85) MPa, B2 (26.83±3.14) MPa], which were statistically different from those of the control groups [A1 (20.55±4.51) MPa, A2 (12.94±0.69) MPa, P < 0.05]. The microtensile bond strength between the glass ceramic and resin composite did not increase after different surface treatments of resin composite., Conclusions: The microtensile bond strength between resin composite and glass ceramic achieved as similar bond strength as that between dentin and glass ceramic and even better. Surface treatment of resin composite via methyl methacrylate solution, silane coupling agent, coarsening, or polishing did not increase the microtensile bond strength effectually.

Objective: MicroRNA (miRNA) plays vital roles in the development of different cancers. In the current work, we explored the function of miR-126-3p in the growth and metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell in vitro and in vivo., Patients and Methods: The expressions of miR-126-3p in NSCLC cell lines were assessed using the quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation, wound healing and transwell invasion were applied to reveal the role of miR-126b-3p on NSCLC cell growth, migration and invasion. The expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated markers (E-cadherin and N-cadherin) were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. The Xenograft model and lung metastasis model were applied to explore the impact of miR-126-3p on the growth and aggressiveness of NSCLC cell in vivo., Results: MiR-126-3p was significantly down-regulated in NSCLC cell lines and tissues. The up-regulation of miR-126-3p inhibited the growth, colony formation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cell. Furthermore, the xenograft model indicated that miR-126-3p suppressed NSCLC cell growth and lung metastasis by targeting chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 1 (CCR1). In addition, we demonstrated that the over-expression of CCR1 rescued the inhibitory effects of miR-126-3p on NSCLC cells growth, migration and invasion. Finally, knocked-down of CCR1 was able to mimic the inhibitory effects of miR-126-3p on the progression of NSCLC cell., Conclusions: These findings indicate that miR-126-3p plays an important role in the growth, migration and invasion of NSCLC by targeting CCR1.

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of the digital imaging fiber optic transillumination (DIFOTI) on diagnosis of caries lesions depth using DIAGNOcam system., Methods: This experiment adopted self-matching design. Seventy-four extracted teeth (molar: sixty-six, premolar: eight) with one caries lesions in proximity which were not damaged in surface marginal ridge were selected. Dental calculus and dental stains were removed from the extracted teeth for standby application. A sign was marked in the middle of the occlusal surface edge at the side of decay. Then the teeth were fixed in the standard model of dentition and cavities were adjacent with the sound tooth surface. Sticky wax was applied to seal the level of 2 mm beyond cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) in the direction of occlusion and interproximal space to imitate gingival margin and gingival papilla. The standard models of dentition was seated in imitation head mold. The lesions depth degree was looked into and checked with DIAGNOcam system. Besides, the pictures on the occlusal surfaces were recorded and saved. The sign above could be seen on the picture. The measuring tool in DIAGNOcam system was used to measure the depth of the caries from the sign (as starting point) to the deepest point of caries in the pictures and its length was recorded for a. The line a was lengthened to the contralateral edge of occlusal surface in the photo and the length was recorded for b. A line from the marked point on the occlusal surface edge of the extracted teeth was draw parallel to the line b on the corresponding photo and its length was recorded for c. The depth of the cavities on the projected images was recorded for d, and calculated d/a=c/b (digital optical fiber measured decay depth/caries damage depth of the image=actual tooth width/tooth width of the image), and d=c/b×a inferred. At last, the teeth were taken out from the standard model dentition. The decay of the tooth was removed completely. The actual depth of the cavity was recorded for D. The difference between d and D was recorded for Δd. The software of SPSS 20.0 was used to test the consistency of the results, and the MedCalc 14.8.1.0 software was used for Bland-Altman analysis., Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between d and D was 0.951 (ICC>75%), P=0.263. There was a function relationship y=0.23+0.91x between d(x) and D(y). Bland-Altman analysis method showed that the mean of Δd (Δdmean) was 0.05 mm, the standard deviation of Δd (ΔdSD)=0.308, and the 95% confidence interval was (-0.55 to 0.65). The amplitude of difference was clinically acceptable. So the consistency of the two measurement modes was high., Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the depth of caries lesions checked with DIAGNOcam system and the depth of the actual cavity, and the consistency was very good. The vitro study suggests that the DIAGNOcam system may be used to assess the depth of caries cavity as a useful tool in diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in Chinese term infants population., Methods: A national neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis network was established. Neonates as having necrotizing enterocolitis with gestation age ≥37 weeks were identified if they met the accepted diagnostic criterion during the study period from Jan 1(st) 2011 to Dec 31(st) 2011. The data of maternal and neonates' characteristics, the comorbidities, the clinical interventions prior to NEC, the clinical courses and radiology results, the medical and surgical treatment and the outcomes were collected. SPSS 19.0 software was used to do statistic analysis. Logistic-regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for death in infants with NEC, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated., Results: There were 231 067 newborn infants, 164 307 of them were term infants, admitted to 95 hospitals in main land China. There were 718 term infants were diagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis with the incidence of 0.44%. There were 294 term infants cases identified as ≥stage 2 necrotizing enterocolitis for the analysis, including 193 cases of stage 2 and 101 cases of stage 3.The mean gestation age was (39.0±1.3) weeks, and the mean birth weight was(3 087.4±548.3)g. The percentage of small for gestation age was 20.4%. The onset age of NEC was 5 (2-11)d. The percentage of cases received breast milk feeding was 23.7%. The most common comorbidities were sepsis (9.5%, 28/294), asphyxia (9.5%, 28/294), pneumonia (7.8%, 23/294) and congenital megacolon (7.5%, 22/294). The bowel perforation rate was 13.9%. The rate of cases who received surgical treatment was 25.2%(76.6% small intestinal necrosis and 65.8% small intestinal perforation). The mortality rate was 28.9%(the mortality rate were 20.7% and 44.6% in stage 2 and stage 3 NEC, respectively). Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure treatment for NEC (OR=5.278, 95% CI: 2.058-13.533, P<0.01) and NEC staging 3 (OR=3.156, 95% CI: 1.766-5.642, P<0.01) were statistically significantly associated with mortality of NEC., Conclusions: The term infants with necrotizing enterocolitis usually have the underlying comorbidities. The breastmilk feeding rate is low. Necrotizing enterocolitis remains high mortality in term neonates in Chinese neonatal units. Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure treatment for NEC is statistically significantly associated with mortality of NEC.

We investigated the effect of progranulin (PGRN) expression on the proliferation and senescence of cervical cancer cells. PGRN small interfering RNA (siRNA) was introduced into the SiHa and HeLa cell lines of human cervical carcinoma using liposome-mediated transfection. The expression levels of PGRN in each cell line after transfection of PGRN siRNA were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Senescence in the cell lines was detected using the β-galactosidase-staining test, and proliferation was detected by clone formation. The RT-PCR assay showed that the expression of PGRN in all of the cell lines transfected with PGRN siRNA markedly decreased. In the clone-forming test, compared with the control group, the colony-forming ability in all cell lines decreased significantly after transfection with PGRN siRNA. The β-galactosidase-staining experiments showed that the phenomenon of cell aging in the PGRN interference group was more obvious than in the control group. After the cervical cancer cells had been transfected with PGRN siRNA, cell senescence was accelerated and clone-forming ability was markedly reduced. This suggests that PGRN can promote the proliferation of the cervical cancer cell line; proliferation of cervical cancer cells is achieved by inhibiting their senescence.

Pseudoaneurysms developing around the foot and ankle are known to be an uncommon complication following surgery. We present a case of a pseudoaneurysm following ankle surgery for a tibial plafond fracture and comprehensively review the literature with emphasis on their anatomic location, aetiology and treatment options., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this article, yeast two-hybrid system (YTHS) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) were used to analyze the interactions of cucurbit aphid-borne yellows virus (CABYV)-encoded proteins. P0, P1, P1-2, P3, P4, and P5 were tested by YTHS in all possible pairwise combinations, and only P3/P3 interaction was detected. Results obtained by BiFC further confirmed the self-interaction of P3, and the subcellular localization of reconstituted YFP fluorescence was observed mainly in nuclei of Nicotiana benthamiana leaf epidermal cells. Domains involved in P3/P3 self-interaction were analyzed by YTHS and BiFC using deletion mutants. The results showed that R domain (residues 1-61) in the N-terminus could self-interact, and it also interacted with the S domain (residues 62-199) in the C-terminus of P3. The present work would serve as a molecular basis for further characterization of CABYV proteins, and the regions involved in P3/P3 self-interaction could provide the clue for understanding the capsid assembly pathway of CABYV.

Pre-synaptic metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors modulate neuronal excitability by controlling glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release. The mGlu8 receptor is predominantly found in pre-synaptic terminals and its expression is highly restricted. To study the role of this receptor, mGlu8 receptor-deficient mice were generated. Here we report that naïve mGlu8 receptor-deficient mice showed increased anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze in low illumination conditions (red light). Open arm avoidance and risk assessment behavior were both significantly increased in mutant mice. Increased stressfulness of the testing conditions abolished this behavioral difference. Fluorescent light or prior restraint stress decreased the open arm activity of wild-type mice, while the open arm activity of mutant mice was essentially unaffected, leading to similar values in both strains. The total number of arm entries or closed arm entries was not significantly different between strains, indicating that the lack of mGlu8 receptor does not affect locomotor activity. No gross behavioral changes, or changes in the function of the autonomic nervous system or somatomotor systems were observed in mutant mice. Moreover, no significant differences in seizure susceptibility were detected between strains. Our results suggest that mGlu8 receptor may play a role in responses to novel stressful environment.

In animal studies, acupuncture has been shown to be sympathoinhibitory, but it is unknown if acupuncture is sympathoinhibitory in humans. Nineteen healthy volunteers underwent mental stress testing pre- and postacupuncture. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), blood pressure, and heart rate during mental stress were compared pre- and postacupuncture. Control acupuncture consisted of acupuncture at nonacupoints and "no-needle" acupuncture. Acupuncture had no effect on resting MSNA, blood pressure, or heart rate. After real acupuncture, the increase in mean arterial pressure (pre- vs. postacupuncture 4.5 vs. 1.7 mmHg, P < 0.001), but not MSNA or heart rate, was blunted during mental stress. Similarly, following nonacupoint acupuncture, the increase in mean arterial pressure was blunted during mental stress (5.4 vs. 2.9 mmHg, P < 0.0003). No-needle acupuncture had no effect on these variables. In conclusion, acupuncture at traditional acupoints, nonacupoints, and no-needle acupuncture does not modulate baseline MSNA or MSNA responses to mental stress in normal humans. Acupuncture significantly attenuates the increase in blood pressure during mental stress. Needling nonacupoints, but not "no-needle" acupuncture, have a similar effect on blood pressure.

Cells within a tumor are highly heterogeneous with respect to a wide range of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. The latter include such properties as growth, survival, invasion, and metastasis. We asked whether the degree to which individual tumor cells rely on a tumor's vasculature might also be heterogeneous. By adapting an intravital Hoechst 33342 staining technique, we labeled and isolated tumor cells based on their relative proximity to perfused vessels. Because tumor regions distal to the vasculature are likely hypoxic, we examined cells deficient for hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), a transcription factor that has been shown to mediate hypoxia-induced responses, including apoptosis. Despite reduced vascularization in HIF-1alpha-/- embryonic stem cell-derived tumors, their growth in vivo was found to be accelerated relative to HIF-1alpha+/+ tumor counterparts. We hypothesized that this paradoxical observation is because of decreased apoptotic rate, resulting in diminished vascular dependence of HIF-1alpha-/- cells. Analysis of heterogeneous tumors established from mixtures of HIF-1alpha+/+ with HIF-1alpha-/- cells revealed that the proportion of cells expressing wild-type HIF-1alpha was increased in perivascular areas and decreased in distal tumor regions. Thus, cells expressing HIF-1alpha were found to be highly dependent on proximity to blood vessels for their growth and survival in vivo, whereas cells that had lost HIF-1alpha expression were much less so. Heterogeneity in angiogenesis dependence was also observed among cell subpopulations isolated from human melanoma xenografts. This potential for selection of less vascular-dependent tumor cell variants throughout the course of disease progression may have important implications for the long-term efficacy of anti-angiogenic therapy.

Objective: The method of Manual of Clinical Microbiology was used to identify bacteria. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics of bacterial agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility as empirical treatment for neonatal infections. Disk diffusion tests were also done for antimicrobial susceptibility., Results: From January 1987 to December 1998, 2,244 bacterial strains were isolated in our neonatal ward. The first three predominant species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (23.9%), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (19.9%) and Escherichia coli (12.6%) in group I (infections acquired outside of hospital). Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for 18%, 15.2% and 12.6% respectively in group II (nosocomial infections). The sensitivity rates of those antimicrobials that are seldom used for newborns were found to be higher, while the resistant rates of the commonly used antimicrobial drugs have increased significantly. The resistant rates of bacterial isolate from group II to antimicrobial agents including penicillin and ampicillin were significantly higher than those isolated from group I (p<0.05)The sensitivity rate was 82.2% (717/833) by using amikacin only, when combined with penicillin, rose to 89%(741/833)., Conclusions: Gram-negative bacteria were mainly responsible for nosocomial infections of neonates in our hospital. Infections acquired outside the hospital were mainly caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Nosocomial pathogens produced drug resistance easily. Combination of amikacin and penicillin can be recommended as the initial antibiotics for treatment of neonatal infections.

Three-dimensional tumor growth is dependent on the perpetual recruitment of host blood vessels to the tumor site. This recruitment process (mainly via angiogenesis) is thought to be triggered, at least in part, by the very same set of genetic alterations (activated oncogenes, inactivated/lost tumor suppressor genes) as those responsible for other aspects of malignant transformation (e.g., aberrant mitogenesis, resistance to apoptosis). Potent oncogenes are able to deregulate expression of both angiogenesis stimulators and inhibitors in cancer cells. For example, mutant ras expression is associated with increased production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and downregulation of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). Upregulation of VEGF and angiogenesis can also be induced by constitutive activation of other oncogenic proteins (e.g., EGFR, Raf, MEK, PI3K) acting at various levels on the Ras signaling pathway. The mode and the magnitude of such proangiogenic influences can be significantly modified by cell type (fibroblastic or epithelial origin), epigenetic factors (hypoxia, changes in cell density), and/or presence of additional genetic lesions (e.g., preceding loss of p16 or p53 tumor suppressor genes). Activated oncogenes (e.g., ras, src, HER-2) induce co-expression of angiogenic properties concomitantly with several highly selectable traits (increased mitogenesis, resistance to apoptosis), a circumstance that may accelerate selection of the angiogenic phenotype at the cell population level. On the other hand oncogene-induced reduction in growth requirements may also endow tumor cells with a diminished (albeit not abrogated) dependence on (close) proximity to blood vessels, i.e., with reduced vascular dependence. Thus, oncogenes can impact several interconnected aspects of cellular growth, survival, and angiogenesis. Experimental evidence suggests that, in principle, many of these properties (including angiogenesis) can be simultaneously suppressed (and tumor stasis or regression induced) by effective use of the specific oncogene antagonists and signal transduction inhibitors.

Genetic distributions for nine STR loci and Amelogenin locus were determined in a Chinese Han population based on DNA sequencing. The databanks in Chinese Population were generated by using Genescan, genotype and genetic distribution analysis. Allele frequency distribution was determined for 10 loci, such as D3S1358, VWA, FGA, Amelogenin, THO1, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317 and D7S820. The results show significant differences between ethnic groups (African-American, US-Caucasian and Chinese Han) in the pattern of distribution as well as in the related frequency of the most common alleles of their STR loci. The probabilities of identity values for the population described in this section are 2.79 x 10(-10) (U.S-Caucasian), 1.23 x 10(-10) (African-American) and 0.5 x 10(-10) (Chinese Han). The results show the probability of Paternity Exclusion (PPE) values of 0.9998 (Chinese Han), 0.9996 (African-American) and 0.9994 (U.S-Caucasian). These results suggested that the nine STR loci and the Amelogenin locus are very useful for human identification, such as analyzing forensis casework, establishing DNA databanks, processing paternity test, evaluation linkage genetics, studying gene natural resources and monitoring bone marrow transplants.

The extension of ultrasound (US) color flow imaging (CFI) techniques to high frequencies (> 20 MHz) has the potential to provide valuable noninvasive tools for scientific and clinical investigations of blood flow in the microcirculation. We describe the development of a slow-scan CFI system operating in the 20-100-MHz range that has been optimized to image the microcirculation. The apparatus has incorporated elements of a previously reported pulsed-wave Doppler system and is capable of operating in either CFI or pulsed-wave mode. The performance of the CFI system was evaluated at a center frequency of 50 MHz using two PVDF transducers with -6-dB beam widths of 43 and 60 microm. The -6 dB-axial resolutions were estimated to be 66 and 72 microm, respectively. In vivo validation experiments conducted using the murine ear model demonstrated the detection of flow in vessels down to 15-20 microm in diameter with flow velocities on the order of mm per s. Further experiments examining experimental murine tumors confirmed the successful detection of flow in the tumor microcirculation.

The heavy chains variable region gene (VH) of monoclonal antibody against beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) was amplified from total DNA extracted from anti-BNYVV hybridoma cells by PCR. Sequencing showed that the VH belongs to mouse subgroup II(A) and contains 360 bp, which code one hundred and twenty amino acids. The VH and VL genes were inserted into a plasmid which contains a linker sequence for constructing scFv gene. The new vector named pTC scFv. The scFv was produced in Escherichia coli and appeared binding activity with BNYVV antigen by ELISA method.

Occlusion of biliary stents, as the result of bacterial adhesion and colonization onto biliary stents, still remains a major problem. Biliary proteins, such as fibronectin (Fn) and vitronectin (Vn), have been presumed to be involved in the process of bacterial adhesion to biliary biomaterial. In the present study, Fn binding by 5 strains of E. coli isolated from biliary drains or from bile was studied. All strains did not bind detectable amounts of soluble Fn but bound to immobilized plasma Fn. Adhesion of four strains of E. coli to ovalbumin was reduced by periodate treatment of ovalbumin, but adhesion to Fn was unaffected. Adhesion was inhibited by mannose-containing saccharides, trypsin treatment of the protein, and protease treatment of the bacterial cells. Autoradiography showed that components of cell extracts from three E. coli strains bind 125I-Fn but not a 150 kD Fn fragment. The findings indicate that the adhesion of these bacteria to Fn is a protein-protein interaction, inhibited by D-mannose, and possibly mediated by fimbrial components.

Strains of Propionibacterium acnes, isolated from different kinds of orthopaedic and biomaterial-associated infections and from skin flora were shown to express binding of soluble as well as immobilized fibronectin. Among these 7 strains isolated from orthopaedic infections, 2 from breast prostheses, and 9 skin isolates, 2, 2, and 5 strains respectively bound immobilized fibronectin. The fibronectin binding was sensitive to protease and heat treatment, and was inhibited by a cell surface extract from one of the binding strains. In SDS-PAGE and autoradiography of cell surface extracts, a band corresponding to a MW of about 80 kD reacted with fibronectin and the 150 kD fragment of fibronectin. Binding to fibronectin and the 150 kD fragment of fibronectin could be inhibited with heparin. We thus present a first Fn binding protein of P. acnes, a surface exposed protein of 80 kD. None of the strains bound soluble collagen, and only one strain expressed weak binding of vitronectin and bone sialoprotein II.

Four biliary stents inserted for relief of jaundice in patients with biliary obstruction due to carcinoma of pancreatic head were examined for the adsorption of biliary proteins and bacterial colonization. Fibronectin and vitronectin (S-protein) were found to be the two main proteins adsorbed on the inner surface of the stents. Biliary isolates included Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. In vitro studies were performed to clarify the kinetics of biliary protein and bacterial adhesion. Biliary drains of polytetrafluorethylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and rubber were placed in a flow cell and perfused with human bile at 37% C for 24 hr. The materials were subjected to either detection of adsorbed biliary proteins or perfusion with 3 H-labeled E. coli cells (1 X 10 6 cfu/ml). The results show that the adsorbed biliary proteins were detectable on the surface of biliary stents and able to enhance bacterial adhesion to the surface in the first 24 hrs after the exposure of stent materials to bile, and that both the adsorption of biliary proteins and the adhesion of bacterial cells were material- and strain-dependent. Furthermore, there was a clear correlation between the amount of adsorbed fibronectin and the number of adherent bacteria. The results indicate that, in the clinical situation, biliary proteins may be adsorbed on the surface of inserted stents within a short time after insertion, and some of them may be used by bacterial cells as receptors for adhesion to the surface, and thus involved in the process of bacterial adhesion.

The present study deals with the demonstration of deposited fibronectin (Fn) on the surfaces of implanted biliary drain materials and the role of deposited Fn in promotion of bacterial adherence. Rubber pieces that had been implanted in the biliary tracts of rats for 4 weeks were retrieved and the following approaches employed for further investigations: (1) adherence of [methyl-3H]thymidine-labeled Escherichia coli to implanted and unimplanted rubber pieces; (2) blocking the adherence of radiolabeled bacteria with anti-Fn antibodies; (3) detection of deposited Fn by 125I-labeled anti-Fn IgG; and (4) immunoblotting of the surface eluate from implanted rubber pieces. The results show that in the presence of serum, plasma, or bile, the number of E. coli cells adherent to implanted rubber pieces was 10 times higher than that adherent to the unimplanted pieces (P < 0.001) and that the adherence was reduced by pretreatment of implanted pieces with anti-Fn antibodies. Furthermore, the implanted pieces appeared to have a high affinity for 125I-labeled rabbit anti-Fn IgG rather than the 125I-IgG without anti-Fn fraction. Fn was also found in the surface eluate of implanted pieces by immunoblotting of the eluate. The results in the present study suggest that Fn may be involved in implant-associated infections in the biliary tract.

The present study aimed at modifying the surface of biliary drain material to reduce bacterial adherence. The adherence of cells of seven E. coli strains to rubber slices treated with phosphatidylcholin (PC) or phosphatidylinositol (PI) and the adherence of cells of E. coli strain NG7C to PC- or PI-treated rubber slices implanted in the common bile duct in rats were studied in vitro. The rubber slices were incubated with 1 x 10(7) cfu radiolabeled E. coli cells/ml at 37 degrees C for 60 min and then drained and washed thrice in 2 ml PBS, and adherent E. coli cells were quantified by radioactivity counting. The results show that both PC and PI absorbed on the surface of slices reduced the adherence of E. coli cells in at least two ways, i.e. by changing surface properties in vitro and by reducing deposition of host-derived molecules on phospholipid-treated surfaces in vivo. The results may be of use for modification of the biomaterial surface in the clinical situation.

Objective: To develop a simple, reversible, reproducible model of obstructive jaundice in rats that could also be used for studies of infection associated with foreign bodies in the biliary tract., Design: Open study., Setting: University of Lund, Sweden., Material: 18 Male Sprague-Dawley rats., Intervention: Laparotomy and the placing of a "minioccluder" (developed in this laboratory) around the common bile duct. This was left in place for five days., Main Outcome Measures: Results of standard liver function tests measured on days 0, 5, and 12; the degree of obstruction seen on cholangiography on day 12; and changes in body weight on days 5 and 12., Results: Activities of hepatic enzymes and plasma bilirubin concentrations were significantly increased on day 5 compared with day 0 (p < 0.01 in each case), but had returned to the reference range by day 12. Cholangiography (n = 10) showed that even though the part of the common bile duct proximal to the minioccluder was dilated the distal part was of normal diameter and patent. By 5 days the animals had lost 5% of their mean body weight, but this increased by 8% during the 7 days after relief of the occlusion (day 12)., Conclusion: We have developed a reversible, reproducible model of obstructive jaundice in rats, which can be used for the study of topics related to obstructive jaundice and in particular infection associated with foreign bodies in the biliary tract.